Maine DOE Update – May 17, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

News & Updates

Certification renewal deadline approaching; districts encouraged to complete educator recommendations by May 30

Maine Department of Education is requesting districts’ help in meeting the July 1 deadline for the renewal of Maine educator certifications, and giving all educators and administrators ample time to become familiar with the new online certification system. | More

School funding update: Department will distribute funding amounts in 18/19 ED 279s until legislature acts

Included in the bills that have not yet been acted upon by the 128th legislature in the 2018 legislative session, there was an appropriations bill LD 1869 that, among other things, finalized specific figures used for calculating school funding in the Essential Programs and Services (EPS) formula, the formula used to distribute funds to districts throughout the State. | More

New deadline for changes in documenting medical services in Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs)

On April 14, 2018, the Department issued guidance regarding a change in IEP requirements in Administrative Letter #13. The purpose of the change is to document educationally and medically necessary services on the IEP aligning to Section 65 and Section 28 of the MaineCare Benefits Manual. | More

2018 County Teachers of the Year honored

Teachers from each of Maine’s 16 counties were today honored in Augusta’s State Capitol at an annual event in the Hall of Flags announcing the 2018 Maine County Teachers of the Year. The group is the county finalists for Maine Teacher of the Year, an honor awarded each year to one teacher in Maine. | More

Looking for Educator Leaders who are “Designing for Learning with Technology”

The Learning Through Technology team at the Department of Education is looking for educator leaders! The theme for next year is: “Designing for Learning with Technology.” We want educators to learn from other educators and to build a network of educators who can leverage technology to get to better learning outcomes for all students. | More

Nominations being accepted for 2018 MAHPERD Teachers of the Year

Nominations are being accepted for the 2018 Maine Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (MAHPERD) Teachers of the Year awards. | More

School Nurse of the Year Nominations

This past week the Maine Department of Education celebrated National Nurses Week by hosting school nurses for National School Nurse Day at the Blaine House for tea where the Department and Maine Association of School Nurses honored our current School Nurse of the Year, Ann Bouchard. Please consider honoring a deserving colleague by putting in a nomination for the 2018-2019 School Nurse of the Year. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

The Maine Event: Fostering Equity and Justice for Youth conference, June 28-29 in Bangor

The Positive Youth Development Institute and the Collaboration for Perpetual Innovation has a premiere staff development opportunity for educators, youth serving professionals, and volunteers. This locally organized, national conference will address education equity and justice issues paramount to adults and students. Presentations will focus on student voice and choice, new approaches to discipline, and school-wide practices of inclusion for all students. The content will be linked school climate, bullying prevention, discipline disparities, and requirements of the Every Student Succeeds Act. | More

Summer professional development opportunities for social studies teachers

This summer the Maine Department of Education is hosting three different professional development opportunities for social studies teachers including sessions specific to elementary teachers. The eleven dates range from June to August in five locations around the state to give everyone a chance to join us! | More

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – May 10, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

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News & Updates

ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER: Guidance on multiple disabilities eligibility category under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Maine Department of Education’s Office of Special Services is providing the following information regarding the identification of “multiple disabilities” as an eligibility category for students with disabilities. This guidance is intended to help Individualized Education Program (IEP) teams correctly identify students with multiple disabilities consistent with the definition in federal law. | More

The new certification system’s district portal is now open to all districts

The district portal of the Maine Department of Education’s new certification system is now open to all districts in Maine. 341 district superintendents and heads of programs have been emailed with log-in credentials and instructions, and Department staff are finishing up phone calls to each district office. | More

Computer Science Day: Save the date and invitation to present

The Maine Department of Education, Maine State Library, and Project Login are partnering to host Computer Science Day this summer. The event will be open to the public, applications for presentations are now being accepted. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Registration for 2018 School Nurse Summer Institute is now open

Registration for 2018 School Nurse Summer Institute is now open. This year’s theme is, “The 21^st Century School Nurse: Making a Difference Today & Preparing for the Future” | More

Concussion training program to be held June 22

Concussion training for school staff has been a requirement since 2012 pursuant to 20-A MRS § 1001. The Department of Education has partnered with the Maine Concussion Management Initiative (MCMI) as well as the Maine Principals’ Association to promote policy development, trainings for staff, and increased awareness and improved management of concussions. | More

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – May 3, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Changes to Graduation Reporting

Due to the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) as amended by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) of 2015, Maine has been refining a new accountability model moving towards a more purposeful and meaningful approach to supporting Maine’s schools experiencing challenges. A component of the high school accountability model is graduation. In order to reduce the burden on school districts and refine graduation reporting to align with the accountability model data requirements, the Department is instituting the following changes. | More

2017/2018 graduation data report due 6/08; webinar training available for new collection process

The Maine Department of Education (Department) has modified the data collection process for graduation reporting which will impact the process for collecting the 2017-2018 graduation data. The graduation data is due for submission in the Maine DOE’s NEO System on June 8, 2018, and needs be certified by June 15, 2018. | More

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

PRIORITY NOTICE: Delay in changes for documentation of IEPs; DOE will update guidance in admin letter #13

On April 14, 2018, the Maine Department of Education issued Administrative Letter #13: Important changes in documenting medical services in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). This notification announced changes in documenting IEP plans with Maine Care services that are necessary for a free appropriate public education (FAPE). | More

MEDIA RELEASE: Maine DOE approves formation of 12 regional service centers

Maine Department of Education Commissioner Robert G. Hasson, Jr has approved the formation of 12 Regional Service Centers as part of the Department’s EMBRACE Regionalization initiative. Collectively, the 12 centers represent 84 discrete School Administrative Units (SAU) and 56 percent of Maine’s students. | More

New certification system has opened to 6 additional pilot districts

The Maine Department of Education’s new certification system began the pilot phase of its launch on April 27, 2018. The initial 4 pilot districts have reported that the system as intuitive and have found the Department’s directions easy to use and helpful. More than 200 recommendations have been processed using the new system as of today, May 3, 2018. | More

Submit board decisions about school calendar revisions (including weather-related) to Maine DOE by May 30

The Department is asking Superintendents to submit any board decisions about revising the School Administrative Unit calendar, including the number of weather-related makeup days using the extended hours option, as outlined in M.R.S. Title 20-A Section 4801. | More

Registration now open for 2018 Commissioner’s Conference

Registration is now open for the 107th Commissioner’s Conference for Superintendents. | More

Stand up to Bullying and Youth Violence Survey being sent to superintendents and school leaders

The Maine Department of Education is collaborating with the University of Minnesota, in partnership with Columbia University, the University of Iowa, and Temple University, on an Anti-bullying Policy Research Study to understand how Maine’s anti-bullying law and the Department’s model policy are implemented and their effectiveness in addressing bullying behavior in Maine’s public schools. | More

Federal grant to promote safe communities now open for higher education

Institutions of higher education are eligible for the U.S. Department of Justice Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) Community Policing Development (CPD) Program. Applications are due by June 7, 2018 at 7:59 p.m. EDT. | More

Maine DOE celebrates “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day”

The Maine Department of Education celebrated “Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day” on April 26 this year with a theme of, “Agents of Positive Change”. The Department celebrates this annual, nationally celebrated day as a way to inspire and prepare Maine students as they start to think about their future careers. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

2018 Summer Literacy Institute

The Maine Department of Education invites educators to register for the 2018 Summer Literacy Institute. Proven Practices: Accelerate Student Literacy with Visible Learning is a two-day event that builds from Dr. John Hattie’s ground-breaking research which identifies effectiveness of strategies and influences on education. | More

| Visit the Professional Development Calendar |

Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – April 26, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

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News & Updates

National 2017 “State of Preschool Report” shows progress in Maine

A new national state-by-state report shows more young children enrolled in public Pre-K programs nationwide, with Maine investing more in Pre-K, serving nearly 40 percent of 4 year olds in high-quality pre-K. | More

Maine DOE publishes preliminary Title IV, Part A allocations for 2018-2019

The Maine Department of Education, in an effort to assist local districts plan for the coming school year, has issued preliminary allocations for the federal Student Support and Academic Enrichment (SSAE) program. | More

Maine DOE announces 3rd Annual Read to Ride Summer Reading challenge

Again this year, the Maine Department of Education is collaborating with the Freemasons of Maine to sponsor the Read to Ride Summer Reading Challenge for students in grades PK-8. The Maine Freemasons have generously donated 48 bikes with helmets as prizes for the Read to Ride Summer Reading Challenge. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

View current Child Development Services employment opportunities here

Maine DOE Update – April 19, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

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News & Updates

Administrative Letter: Important changes in documenting medical services in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

The Maine Department of Education has instituted new requirements for Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) beginning May 1, 2018. | More

Changes in Rule Chapter 45: Vision and Hearing Screening in Maine Schools

This notice is to inform you of the recent changes to Chapter 45: Rule for Vision and Hearing Screening in Maine Schools. This rule outlines the standards and processes for periodic vision and hearing screenings. | More

Changes in Joint Rule Chapters 126/261: Immunization Requirements for School Children

The Maine Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Education have revised the Maine School Immunization Requirements rule to now include meningococcal meningitis disease. | More

PRIORITY NOTICE: EF-M-14 April 1st Resident Enrollment Report will not be collected for 2017/18 school year

The Maine Department of Education (Department) will not be collecting the EF-M-14 April 1st Resident Enrollment report for non-publicly funded students for the 2017-2018 school year. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – April 12, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Maine Education Financial System to update identification numbers for uploads

The Maine Education Financial System will be moving from MEDMS IDs to ORG IDs on July 1, 2018. Over the past few years the Maine Department of Education data collection systems have been migrating towards using ORG IDs to identify School Administrative Units, and other organizations, in their data collection systems. | More

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News & Updates

Maine’s reading and mathematics test scores at or above national average on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP)

Maine’s fourth and eighth graders scored at the national average or higher on the recently released 2017 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) tests of Reading and Mathematics. | More

Maine DOE announces alternative rural and low-income federal allocation formula; more districts now eligible for funds

The Maine Department of Education (Maine DOE) received notification that its proposed Title V, Part B, Sub Part 2 allocation formula, submitted to the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE) in November 2017, has been approved. The approved alternative formula provides increases funding through the Title V Rural Low-Income Schools (RLIS) grant to districts that have higher poverty rates. | More

Department’s proposed diploma bill (LD 1898) released for review

The Maine Department of Education’s proposal for the high school diploma, as referenced in this recent priority notice, was released from the Maine State Legislature Office of the Revisor of Statutes on Wednesday, April 4 as LD 1898, An Act To Amend Maine’s High School Diploma Standards and Ensure Maine Students Meet State Standards upon Graduation. | More

Maine students among top scorers in national cyber security program

Maine students recently took part in the GirlsGoCyberStart program, a national opportunity that features fun, technical challenges and games to inspire the next generation of cyber security professionals.| More

PRIORITY NOTICE: EF-M-14 April 1st Resident Enrollment Report will not be collected for 2017/18 school year

The Maine Department of Education (Department) will not be collecting the EF-M-14 April 1st Resident Enrollment report for non-publicly funded students for the 2017-2018 school year. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Synergy summer training survey

The Maine Department of Education’s Help Desk staff is preparing for a summer training session and feedback is needed to ensure the training needs of Data Managers, Superintendents, CTE Directors, Tech Directors and others entering student data for the State Synergy System are addressed.| More

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – April 5, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Priority Notices

PRIORITY NOTICE: Maine Department of Education’s proposal for the high school diploma

Reporting Items

Maine Education Financial System to update identification numbers for uploads

| Visit the DC&R Reporting Calendar |

News & Updates

Maine DOE to host Farm to School Cook-off on April 5th and 9th

The Maine Department of Education will host its Annual Maine Farm to School Cook-Off, a voluntary, skills-based competition offered to school food service staff from all school districts across the State of Maine. The goal of the program is to recognize school nutrition staff for their skills and creativity while producing high-quality meals that can be replicated in a school kitchen. | More

15th Annual MLTI Student Conference

Registration is open for the 2018 MLTI Student Conference, taking place on Thursday, May 24^th at the University of Maine campus in Orono. | More

Districts are encouraged to celebrate April as the Month of the Military Child

The Maine Department of Education is encouraging local school districts and the greater education community to celebrate the Month of the Military Child in April this year by participating in any of the following ways.| More

Input sought for teacher shortage areas

As part of a federal requirement, the Maine Department of Education will submit to the U.S. Department of Education (U.S. DOE) the Maine teacher shortage areas for designation for the 2018-19 school year. | More

Department provides further guidance on repeal of Chapter 82 (School Bus Driver Fitness Determination)

In response to inquiries from the field, the Maine Department of Education is providing answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the repeal of Code of Maine Regulations (05-071 CMR Chap. 82) School Bus Driver Fitness Determination. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – March 29, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

Preparation for April Attending Student Report

The Maine Department of Education (MDOE) is in the process of preparing an April Attending Student Report for the purpose of calculating tuition rates. In preparation for this report, it is vital that each school administrative unit (SAU) keeps their attendance data accurate as well as complete. | More

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News & Updates

eMPowerME Mathematics and English Language Arts/Literacy Assessment Item Review Committee Opportunity

The Maine Department of Education (DOE) is currently recruiting educators to serve on item review panels for the eMPowerME Assessment in English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. The work will be facilitated by Measured Progress on June 19-21, 2018 in Portland, Maine. | More

Repeal of Chapter 82 School Bus Driver Fitness Determination

The enacted repeal of Code of Maine Regulations 05-071 Chapter 82 School Bus Driver Fitness Determination became effective on March 25, 2018. | More

Supports for Advanced Placement and College Board assessments

As part of a notification provided in September 2015, the Maine Department of Education provided guidance regarding the removal of supports provided for some assessments administered by the College Board. | More

Edward Little High School teacher selected for Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship Program

High School teacher Erin Towns from Edward Little High School in Auburn, Maine has been selected as one of this year’s Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic Grosvenor Teacher Fellows in recognition of her commitment to geographic education. | More

Date set for presentation of Major Capital Improvement Program priority list

The scoring process for the Major Capital Improvement Program is close to completion for the 75 schools visited during the Fall of 2017. A Proposed Priority List will be presented to the State Board of Education at its June 13, 2018 meeting. The acceptance of that list will initiate a 30 day appeal period. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

ESEA Federal Programs to provide May sessions for program updates and technical assistance

As a result of feedback received from ESEA Coordinators and Title I Directors, the Maine Department of Education’s Federal Programs team will be providing updates and technical assistance at the following sessions scheduled at locations across the State during the month of May. | More

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – March 22, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

MaineCare Seed adjustments to be made, review Q218 reports by April 13, 2018

The recovery of Q218 MaineCare Seed will occur in the April 2018 subsidy payment and the Maine DOE is asking Districts to review their reports to ensure accurate adjustments to subsidy. SAU staff must review student by student claims on both the public and private MaineCare reports for Q218 by April 13, 2018. | More

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News & Updates

Reminder and updated guidance for rescheduling and requesting waivers for storm days

Once again, the winter has resulted in an increased amount of snow storms causing schools to close to avoid dangerous weather conditions. Winter storm closures coupled with the wind storm that occurred earlier in the school year and resulted in power outages across Maine, has caused school administrative units to exceed the number of storm days that were originally planned for in the school calendar. | More

Nominations sought for the 2018 Maine Curriculum Leader of the Year

The Maine Curriculum Leaders’ Association is accepting nominations for the 2018 Curriculum Leader of the Year until April 27, 2018. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

School Nurse Day is May 8, 2018; Maine DOE offers professional development and celebration

Let’s recognize the contributions to student health and learning that school nurses make every day! Students across Maine and the country are able to fully access their education because of the interventions and actions performed by school nurses every day. | More

The Maine Department of Education will be supporting a cohort of public preschool & kindergarten teachers for the 2018-19 school year using Teaching Strategies Gold©, an online and authentic formative assessment tool that aligns to Maine’s Early Learning and Development Standards for PreK and Maine’s College and Career Ready Standards for kindergarten. | More

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Latest DOE Career/Project Opportunities

Maine DOE Update – March 15, 2018

From the Maine Department of Education

Reporting Items

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News & Updates

Save the date: 2018 Commissioner’s Conference for Superintendents

The 107th Commissioner’s Conference for Superintendents will be held Wednesday, June 27th through Thursday, June 28th at the Augusta Civic Center. | More

Maine DOE begins math achievement pilot program in 6 Maine elementary schools

The Maine Department of Education is embarking on a new initiative called the Numeracy4ME K-4 Mathematics Pilot program. The project is designed to improve the mathematics achievement of students in kindergarten through grade four in 6 pilot schools: Academy Hill, Cherryfield Elementary School, Cornville Charter School, G.D. Cushing School, Indian Township School, and Milbridge Elementary School. | More

Technology Plan Update

Technology plans are designed to help educators and school leaders think about how they use technology and how to better leverage technology to improve student learning. The Learning through Technology team at the Department of Education manages the technology planning process and assists schools in learning to use technology more effectively. This communication sets forth guidance regarding technology plans that are due in the 2017-18 school year as well as plans that were due in prior years. | More

Template Letters for School and District Leaders to Notify Parents about State Assessments

Two parent notification letter templates have been updated for use by school and district leaders in 2018 to notify parents about state assessments: one letter template for the “general assessment” and one letter template for “alternate assessments.” These templates are available for your school or district to modify and customize with local information prior to being used to notify parents in your community about the upcoming state assessments. | More

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Professional Development & Training Opportunities

Equitable Services Training for ESEA Coordinators and Private School Officials

The Maine Department of Education will host a workshop regarding Equitable Shares for Private Schools. This workshop is designed as guidance and technical support for all ESEA Coordinators and Private School Officials that receive funds for equitable services across the state. | More

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